Before the film session, Larry Brown pulled Stephon Marbury out of the room and they spoke briefly in a hallway. According to Marbury, Brown told him he has the power to ship him out of town but wants him back next season and wants their war of words to cease.

The summit lasted between 30 seconds and a minute, and put on hold one of the most vicious coach/player wars in New York sports history.

However, it’s questionable how sincere the meeting was, as they didn’t shake hands afterward. Brown told a swarm of reporters he wants Marbury back only if he “buys into what we’re doing.” Marbury, meanwhile, spoke with forked tongue on whether he’s willing. But for now, the bloody street fight between two stubborn Brooklyn egos is over.

Brown said he decided to bury the hatchet after seeing Marbury get booed repeatedly during Wednesday’s double-overtime win against Atlanta. Brown was also moved to see Marbury cheering wildly for his mates after getting benched for the final quarter and two overtimes.

“He told me that he can do whatever he wants with this franchise and that he doesn’t want to trade me, that he wanted me to be here and that everything what went on the last (few days) is over with,” Marbury said. “It was a (spitting) match and the only thing that happens with a (spitting) match is other people get hit by (spit). It was short and sweet. I felt if we were going to forward to the future, that’s the only way it’s going to work. ”

Brown’s version: “I told him I appreciated the way he cheered for teammates at the end of the game. It meant a lot. I was sorry some people booed him. Told him just let us coach him the rest of the year. He’s not going anywhere. Let’s move on.”

Asked if he believed Brown’s remark he wanted him back next season, Marbury said tellingly, “Do I believe him? I have no comment to that.”

The coach and captain hurled hurtful barbs since Monday. Marbury said Brown showed his “insecurity” by comparing their track records, was living in the past by highlighting his resume and said the dispute was “personal now.”

Brown pointed out Marbury was not a “good teammate” for talking about his freedom in the offense instead of team-oriented issues. Brown also pointed out the point guard’s failure to win in prior venues.

Brown said he did not regret his prior comments. It’s unknown if Isiah Thomas asked Brown to bury the hatchet. Owner James Dolan, Thomas and Brown met in Brown’s office two hours before tip-off Wednesday.

“The things I said, I had reason to say and now it’s over,” Brown said.

The biggest question left unanswered was whether Marbury will play Brown’s way. “He’s not that hard to play for,” Marbury said. “He told me, play the way he wants me to play. If I don’t feel it’s the right way, just bear with him. I didn’t say yes. I didn’t say no.”

Tonight the Knicks face Brown’s last club, the Pistons, who own the league’s best record at 51-12 and lead the Knicks (18-45) by 33 games.

Bittersweet?

“I’m not disappointed I’m here,” Brown said. “I’m disappointed with the results. It’s going to make me a better coach and hopefully we’ll get somewhere.”